The new Irish Sport headquarters in Dublin has been officially opened today.

19 national sports governing bodies are moving into the facility at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown.

Performing the opening of the facility, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said, "Ireland is a country that is passionate about sport and it is fitting that where possible we should have world class facilities to support, encourage and inspire everyone to get involved in sport".

"The opening of the Irish Sport HQ and the arrival of 19 national governing bodies is a major step in the development of the Campus. Today's milestone will also help foster the sense of community and cooperation which I know already exists in Irish sport" he added.

The campus is not quite finished however. Work is currently underway on the multi-sport pitches and a sport pavilion as well as the planned high-performance facilities for Horse Sport Ireland and Pentathlon Ireland. These are due to be completed in August.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring commented "This really is a unique project which has the full backing of all the stakeholders in Irish sport including the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic and Paralympic movements and, most importantly, the sports bodies and the athletes themselves".

Chairman of the National Sports Campus Development Authority is Sean Benton. He said that "providing office accommodation for our NGBs and support agencies in a "communal" setting is important for the development of sports policy and administration.

He concluded his remarks by noting that this year the National Aquatic Centre - the first part of the Campus project - celebrates its 10th birthday.

Sports Minister Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Sean Benton, & Barry O'Brien

"The National Aquatic Centre has been a huge success attracting a footfall of over seven million visits since it first opened its doors. It is an example to us all of just what can be achieved by this country if we are brave enough to invest money in the right sporting facilities" he added.

The Sports Minister Leo Varadkar says work is already underway on further developing the National Sports Campus.